Catechism of The Council of Trent (in Less than a Year)

In this episode we read the Catechism's treatment concerning why Penance is a sacrament and we also begin to discuss its matter and form. Additionally we read from the Summa Theologica concerning these subjects and especially why the acts of the penitent may be considered the matter of Penance. (ST. IIIa. Q. 84 a.1 and a.2)

In this episode we commence our study of the sacrament of penance. The Catechism first explains the various meanings of the word penance, and then explains that penance is, first of all, a virtue. IN addition we read an article from the Summa Theologica in which St Thomas Aquinas justifies the saying of St Jerome that "penance is a second plank." (ST. IIIa. Q. 84, a. 6)

In this episode we conclude the Catechism's treatment concerning the Eucharist. Having set forth the doctrine concerning the Eucharist as a sacrament, the section concludes with a discussion concerning the Eucharist as a sacrifice. In addition to reading the catechism, we also read from three articles from the Summa Theologica concerning these same matters as well as St Thomas' explanation and division of the words in the rite of the Mass. (ST IIIa. Q. 79 a. 7, Q. and Q. 83 a.1 and a.4

In this episode we read the Catechism concerning the reception of the Eucharist. Although canon law has changed the requirements concerning fast and abstinence before receiving the Eucharist it is instructive to read the stricter laws that were in place in the sixteenth century as they reflect the sort of disposition that Catholics should have in receiving the Eucharist. We also take a look at three articles from the Summa Theologica concerning the reception of this sacrament. (ST. IIIa. Q. 80 a. 1, a. 2, a. 10)

In this episode we read about the manifold effects of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Many of the effects of the sacrament may be adduced by a comaprison with the effects that physical food has on the living body. We also read about the effects of the Eucharist from the Summa Theologica. (ST. IIIa. Q.79)

In this episode we discuss the mystery of transubstantiation whereby the entire substance of the bread and wine becomes the entire substance of Christ's body and blood. Transubstantiation does not indicate any sort of local movement nor is it like any natural change (or "transformation") in our experience, therefore a new term was necessary to indicate this supernatural change. In addition to reading the catechism we also spend some time reading some excerpts from three articles in question 75 of the third part of the Summa Theologica. (ST. IIIa Q. 75 a. 2, a. 4, and a. 7)

In this episode we discuss the manner in which the whole Christ (i.e. the body, blood soul and Divinity) is contained in both species, although differently. We discuss the meaning of the term "concomitance" and how the substance of Christ is contained in every part of the Eucharistic species. Additionally we read portions of the first three articles from question 76 "Of the way in which Christ is contained in this sacrament." (ST. IIIa. Q. 76 a. 1-3)

In this episode we read the Catechism concerning the three mysteries of the Eucharist. The Catechism also gives considerable evidence from Scripture, the teaching of the Fathers and declarations from church councils concerning the truth that Christ's true body and blood are contained in this sacrament under the accidents of bread and wine. Additionally, we read several sections from the Summa Theologica concerning these matters. (ST. IIIa Q. 75. a. 1 and a. 5)

In this episode we read the Catechism concerning the words used in the consecration of the bread and the wine effecting the transubstantiation. These words are the form of the sacrament. In addition we read the replies in several articles of the Summa Theologica where St Thomas talks about the form of the Eucharist. (IIIa. Q. 78. a. 1, a. 3, and a. 4)

In this episode we read the Catechism's explanation concerning why Christ chose bread and wine for the matter for the sacrament of his body and blood. The Catechism also discusses not only the particular suitability of bread and wine- but also why the bread should be unleavened (in the Latin Rite) and why there should be water mingled with it. In addition we read several articles from the Summa Theologica concerning this same subject. (ST IIIa Q. 74, a.1-a.6)